After
dharshan of Sri Theneesawarar at Vellalore, our next destination was to Sri Amaneeshwarar
temple at Devanampalayam. On the way we had seen Menhirs at Mayiladumparai two
sati kal at Vadasithur & Kappalaankarai which will be written separately.

Iraivan
: Sri Amaneehswarar

Iraivi : Sri Akilandeswari

Some
of the important features of this temple are…

The
temple is facing west in the middle of
Karpaka river. The Garuda thoon is in front. The Sanctum sanctorum is with a
Sanctum, Artha mandapam and mahamandapam. In addition to there is a open
mandapam at front.

Lord
Shiva is the kula theivam for Puluva Gounder kooda
thalaiyan koodam, a sub section. It was told that Lord Shiva was worshiped by
Athiri Maharishi and Anusuya Devi and they lived here. Pathanchali was born
here. Ashtama siddhars worshiped Lord Shiva and their reliefs can be seen on
the pillars.

As
per Gurukkal there are 5 Shiva Lingas and three are in the sanctum and two are
out side. The centre Shiva Linga is swayambu.

In
the Artha mandapam pillars has the statues of Urthuva Thandavar ( as per
Gurukkal Akora thandava murthy ) and
Kali. Both has 8 hands facing each other. The other two pillars had the
statues, probably the king of the persons who
re-constructed the temple.

Ambal
is in the maha mandapam facing east. There are 4 Vinayagars, called sathuranga
Vinayagars reliefs on the pedestal of Ambal and Athiri Maharashi is at the
centre.

The
protection deity of this temple is Varaaki is facing west. On every Ashtami day
“milakai” is being offered.

Sannadhi
for Sandikeswarar and Dhashinamurthy, built separately. There is no moortham in
the koshtam. The temple was reconstructed and the stones are relocated many
places. Due to this the inscriptions does not have the continuity.

On
Tamil month Masi, before No moon day sun light ( Uthrayana ) used to falls on Lord
Shiva.

As
per Gurukkal, Originally the temple was constructed for Lord Shiva and latter
converted as Jains temple. After the Jainism slowly loosed its power, the
temple was again converted to Shiva temple and retains the Jainism name of Sri Amaneeshwarar. ( People used call Jain Gods as Amana Swamy,
since they do not wear any dress ).

As
per the inscriptions recorded, the temple exists before Vikrama Chozha period.
The 14th century ( 1302
& 1303 AD ) inscription speaks about the
donations made to this temple. The 20th century ( 1904 AD )
inscription speaks about the reconstruction / jeerorthanam of the temple. A 19th century inscription also
there which mentions about the donations made to Devanampalayam Sri Mariamman
temple

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The
temple will be kept open between 07.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 19.00
Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr
Muthuraman Sivachariyar and his mobile number is 9655559023 and 9715127040 and
the land line number is 04259 264747.